However, the most common cause of vitamin B deficiency anemia is a lack of a substance called intrinsic factor, which can be caused when your immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells that produce this substance. This type of anemia is called pernicious anemia. Intrinsic factor is a protein secreted by the stomach that joins vitamin B in the stomach and moves it through the small intestine to be absorbed by your bloodstream. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B can't be absorbed and leaves your body as waste.
People with endocrine-related autoimmune disorders, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, may have an increased risk of developing pernicious anemia. Vitamin B deficiency anemia can also occur if your small intestine can't absorb vitamin B for reasons other than a lack of intrinsic factor.
This may happen if:. Vitamin C deficiency can develop if you don't get enough vitamin C from the foods you eat. Vitamin C deficiency is also possible if something impairs your ability to absorb vitamin C from food. For instance, smoking impairs your body's ability to absorb vitamin C. Certain chronic illnesses, such as cancer or chronic kidney disease, also increase your risk of vitamin C deficiency anemia by affecting the absorption of vitamin C.
A number of factors can affect your body's vitamin stores. In general, your risk of vitamin deficiency is increased if:. Your diet contains little to no natural vitamin food sources, such as meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians who don't eat dairy products and vegans, who don't eat any foods from animals, may fall into this category. Pregnant women with folate deficiency may be more likely to experience complications, such as premature birth.
A developing fetus that doesn't get enough folate from its mother can develop birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. If you're thinking of becoming pregnant, ask your doctor whether you should consider taking folic acid supplements so that your body's stores of folate will be enough to support your baby. While vitamin B is important for the production of red blood cells, it's also important for a healthy nervous system.
Untreated, vitamin B deficiency can lead to neurological problems, such as persistent tingling in your hands and feet or problems with balance. It can lead to mental confusion and forgetfulness because vitamin B is necessary for healthy brain function.
Without treatment for vitamin B deficiency, neurological complications can become permanent. Vitamin B deficiency can cause these and other health problems before it leads to anemia. What is the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12? Daily recommended B footnote 1 Age years Daily amount of B12 micrograms 1—3 0. As the anemia gets worse, you may: Feel weak, tired, and light-headed.
Have pale skin. Have a sore, red tongue or bleeding gums. Feel sick to your stomach and lose weight. Have diarrhea or constipation. If this happens, you may have: Numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes. A poor sense of balance. A decrease in mental abilities. How is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia diagnosed?
How is it treated? Can vitamin B12 deficiency anemia be prevented? Dietary reference intakes DRIs : Recommended dietary allowances and adequate intakes, vitamins. Credits Current as of: September 23, Top of the page Next Section: Related Information. Previous Section: References Top of the page.
Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. A diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient. People who eat a vegan diet and do not take vitamin B12 supplements or eat foods fortified with vitamin B12, are also at risk. Stores of vitamin B12 in the body can last around 2 to 4 years without being replenished, so it can take a long time for any problems to develop after a dietary change.
Some stomach conditions or stomach operations can prevent the absorption of enough vitamin B For example, a gastrectomy , a surgical procedure where part of your stomach is removed, increases your risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. Some conditions that affect your intestines can also stop you absorbing the necessary amount of vitamin B For example, Crohn's disease , a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system, can sometimes mean your body does not get enough vitamin B Some types of medicine can lead to a reduction in the amount of vitamin B12 in your body.
For example, proton pump inhibitors PPIs , a medicine sometimes used to treat indigestion , can make a vitamin B12 deficiency worse. PPIs inhibit the production of stomach acid, which is needed to release vitamin B12 from the food you eat. Your GP will be aware of medicines that can affect your vitamin B12 levels and will monitor you if necessary. Some people can experience problems related to a vitamin B12 deficiency, despite appearing to have normal levels of vitamin B12 in their blood.
This can happen as the result of a problem known as functional vitamin B12 deficiency, where there's a problem with the proteins that help transport vitamin B12 between cells. Folate dissolves in water, which means your body is unable to store it for long periods of time. Your body's store of folate is usually enough to last 4 months. This means you need folate in your daily diet to ensure your body has sufficient stores of the vitamin.
Symptoms may include: Weak muscles Numb or tingling feeling in hands and feet Trouble walking Nausea Decreased appetite Weight loss Irritability Lack of energy or tiring easily fatigue Diarrhea Smooth and tender tongue Fast heart rate The symptoms of megaloblastic anemia may look like other blood conditions or health problems. How is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia diagnosed?
How is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia treated? Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment for you based on: How old you are Your overall health and medical history How sick you are How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies If your condition is expected to get worse Your opinion or preference Vitamin B 12 deficiency anemia and folate deficiency anemia often occur together and can be hard to tell apart.
Living with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia Depending on the cause of your vitamin B 12 deficiency, you may need to take vitamin B 12 supplements for the rest of your life. Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia With this condition, your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells, due to a lack deficiency of vitamin B It is one of several types of megaloblastic anemia.
Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate. Treatment may include vitamin B 12 supplements. It is also important to eat a well-balanced diet.
Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you.
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